Thirteen Months

Intervention

"I'm telling you, Daichi," Coach Ukai said. "Mizuko really should join the girls' team. They could really use her."

Daichi nodded, "I agree. I've mentioned it a couple of times, but she doesn't seem too interested."

"With that amount of talent...it'd be a shame if she didn't," Ukai sighed. Daichi nodded again.

"I don't know how to convince her," he murmured. "She's terrified of being around people if I'm not there."

"Why don't you introduce her to the girls' captain, what's her name? Mich-something?"

"Michimiya?"

"That's the one! Just give Michimiya her phone number or something, I'm sure they'll warm up to each other pretty quickly."

"It's true...you can't help but like Michimiya," Daichi agreed. Coach Ukai raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

"It's not like that!" Daichi stammered, "I-I-I...j-just...think...she's...n-nice."

"Hmm," Ukai grunted, a knowing smirk on his face. "Whatever you say, captain." Daichi shook his head, walking off quickly.

***

Over the next couple of days, Mizuko stayed after school and practiced on her own while Daichi and the rest of the team had their practice. Daichi finally decided that an intervention was in order. Pulling out his phone, he texted a number.

DAICHI: Hey, would you be able to stay after the girls' practice? I have someone I want you to meet.

MICHIMIYA: totally!!! who is it??

DAICHI: Remember that girl my family applied to foster?

MICHIMIYA: OMG IS IT HER??? THE REALLY SHY ONE???

DAICHI: Yeah, haha!

MICHIMIYA: OMG THAT'S AWESOME!!!

DAICHI: Listen, I need your help with her.

MICHIMIYA: what's up???

DAICHI: She has selective mutism. And she's super, super shy. But she's really good at volleyball. I think she should try out for the girls' team.

MICHIMYA: well i'd be happy to meet her, then we can go from there!!! :)))

DAICHI: Thanks so much!

***

Whump. Smack. Whump. Smack. The steady rhythm of a ball ricocheting off the wall and of Mizuko's receives echoed through the gym as the boys' team continued to set up the net and sweep the floors in preparation of the coming practice.

"Hey there!" A voice rang out. "Anybody seen Daichi?"

"Michimiya!" Daichi called, a wide grin on his face. Mizuko barely noticed any of this, still concentrated on her receives.

"Wow, Daichi," Michimiya said, going to give a small side-hug. "I know you said she was good, but I wasn't expecting her to be that good. Just look, all her receives are perfect!"

"My guess is that she would make a great libero," Daichi said.

"Well, maybe you can introduce me? Do you think she'd want to pass with me?"

"I can try," Daichi agreed. They walked over to Mizuko. "Hey, Mizuko," Daichi said softly as to not startle her. Mizuko caught the ball and turned. When she noticed Michimiya standing next to him, she immediately dropped her gaze to the floor.

"Hi," Michimiya said, her voice full of excitement, yet still calm in order to not frighten her away. "My name is Yui Michimiya, and I'm the captain of Karasuno's girls' volleyball team." Mizuko nodded. "Daichi has told me a lot about you," she continued. "Do you want to pass around a little?" Mizuko shrugged noncommittally. "Come on!" Michimiya held out a hand. Mizuko didn't take it, but she did follow the older girl outside the gym doors.

The boys' team went on to practice, while Daichi kept shooting furtive glances at the door. Both the girls hadn't come back yet. What if Mizuko got overwhelmed and had another panic attack? Was she doing ok without him?

Suddenly, Michimiya burst through the doors. "DAICHI!" she screamed. Daichi whipped his head towards her.

"What's wrong? Where's Mizuko?"

"She's fine, it's you I'm worried about!"

"How do you mean?" Daichi was thoroughly confused. "What?"

"HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME HOW GREAT SHE IS?" Michimiya squealed, jumping up and down while latching on to his shoulder. "SHE'S AMAZING! I'VE ALREADY WORKED HER INTO THE STARTING LINE UP!"

"Uh, Michimiya..." Daichi mumbled. "We're kinda...in the middle of practice." Michimiya finally seemed to be aware of the entire boys' team staring at her.

"Right," she coughed sheepishly. "Sorry about that, I'll just be...outside...practicing...with Mizuko." She scurried out of the gym. Even though his teammates snickered, Daichi couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Mizuko really was talented. And now, people would finally get to see it too.